Roth Report
Pete Dye River Course Cam
Television & Radio
Travel Center
Tech Rolls Past UNC Asheville 83-61
Hokies led by Roberts' career-high 26 points
November 30, 1999
Tech head coach Ricky Stokes found the going a little easier the second time around.
After watching as his Hokies barely escaped Williamsburg with a win over William & Mary in the season opener, Stokes was able to breathe a little easier this time around as his team rolled past UNC Asheville 83-61 in a non-conference game at the Asheville Civic Center in Asheville, N.C.
The Hokies (2-0) jumped out to a 7-0 lead, led 39-17 at halftime and never trailed en route to the easy victory. UNC Asheville fell to 0-5 for the first time since 1991.
Tech wasted little time in getting started, pressing early and often, while forcing numerous UNC Asheville turnovers. The Bulldogs finished with 30 on the night, while Tech committed just 13 compared to 17 assists.
"I give the guys a lot of credit," Stokes said. "We got after them. We pressured the ball. It seemed like we had seven guys out there defensively.
"We worked on that all week in practice. We had an excellent week of practice and it was nice to see that parlayed in a game."
The turnovers led to numerous transition baskets as the Hokies shot 46 percent from the floor, including 50 percent in the second half. Tech also hit its free throws, connecting on 22 of 30 free-throw attempts (73.3 percent), including an 8-for-11 night from junior forward Rolan Roberts. Against William & Mary, Tech made just 12-of-23 and Roberts connected on just 1-of-5.
Roberts led the Hokies offensively with a career-high 26 points, breaking his previous career high of 23 set on five different occasions. He made nine of his 16 field-goal attempts and added five rebounds.
"Rolan is getting better," Stokes said. "He stepped up and I'm pleased with him. He rebounded well and made good decisions."
Sophomore forward Dennis Mims and senior center Russ Wheeler added 12 for Tech. Senior point guard Brendan Dunlop scored 10.
UNC Asheville, which shot just 40.4 percent from the floor, but did outrebound Tech 42-30, got 14 points from Brett Carey and 11 from 7-foot center Adam Earnhardt.
